MantraPrimal

SoundYoga andMantra

Primal

SoundYoga and

DR. DAVID FRAWLEY (PANDIT VAMADEVA SHASTRI)

The term mantra is commonly used today in the media for key phrases, terms or words of power and influence. Each group has its particular mantras that represent its special view, orientation or goal, whether it is a corporation, a political party or religious organization. We are coming to value clear and concise statements or summary views over longer explanations and discussion. Our communication through computers, power point and text messaging is getting progressively condensed or, we could say, mantric in nature.

Spotlight

Mantra in the Yoga tradition consists of the use of sacred sounds and intentions to transform the energy of the mind in a positive

direction. Mantra is probably the most powerful and commonly used of all yogic meditation methods. All the main paths of Yoga

– whether of knowledge, devotion or action, or whether Hatha, Raja or Kundalini Yoga – have their key mantras. Mantras can also

be performed to help us with concentration, with our work, dealing with emotions, for health, prosperity or overall well-being.

Mantras are of many types. Some are longer prayers and intentions, like the famous Vedic Gayatri mantra to the solar Godhead.

Others consist of the repetition of Divine names like the well-known mantra Om Nama Shivaya for Lord Shiva. Yet probably the

most important and simplest of all mantras are the single syllable mantras called “bija” or seed mantras starting with Oæ. They can

be used for meditation, worship of deities, energizing prana or for healing purposes – for all aspects of mantra practice. These main

bija mantras are also called “Shakti mantras,” as they are commonly used in the worship of the Goddess, who Herself, is the power

of sound and mantra.

Shakti bija mantras carry the great forces of Nature such as the energies of the Sun and Moon, electricity and magnetism, not simply

as outer factors but as inner potentials of Divine light, love and wisdom. Shakti mantras hold, resonate, and propel the Kundalini

force, the higher evolutionary power of consciousness, to flow within us. In this article, we will focus on the eight prime Shakti

bija mantras, their energies and usage for Yoga, for health, and for improving our karmas in life.

Pranic energy Ascending power of pure consciousness Oæ

Energy of sound Creative power of knowledge and guidance Aiæ

Solar energy Power of illumination and reflection Hrãæ

Lunar energy Power of reflection and devotion Írãæ

Electric energy Power of action, expression and transformation Krãæ

Magnetic energy Power of love and attraction Klãæ

Power of fire Power to purify, protect and remove negativity Hïæ

Power to stabilize Power to hold and conceive Strãæ

Eight Prime Shakti Bija Mantras and their Corresponding Powers

Shakti mantras relate to the primary forms of the Goddess or Divine

Mother. There are special Shakti mantras for each of the great

Goddesses, through which we can commune with them and gain

their grace. Shakti mantras are the primary mantras used in Tantric

Yoga, in which they are combined in various ways to bring about

different results. They have a great capacity for transformation that

can extend to the deepest layers of our consciousness and prana.

They should be approached with reverence and respect as the very

life blood of the Goddess.

Most Shakti mantras contain the vowel–Ã, the vibratory ee-sound,

which is the main primal sound of Shakti. Most contain the

consonant-R, which is the seed of fire, heaven, light, order and

dharma and has a stimulating and energizing effect. Some contain

the consonant-L, which is the seed of earth, water, joy and bliss

and has a calming and stabilizing effect. Many begin with either

the letter-H, which indicates prana, light and the Sun, or the letters

S or Sh, which indicate the Moon, the mind and water. Some like

Auæ or Aiæ consist of vowels only.

Tathaastu

Spotlight

12

Tathaastu 13

Application of Shakti MantrasShakti mantras can be used to create, sustain or dissolve the various forms, patterns and forces within us. They have particular affinities

with certain locations in the body and with specific chakras – like Hrãæ and the heart – but also have a broader effect to promote certain

types of forces, like Hrãæ as solar energy that can be used on many different levels.

The application of Shakti mantras, like that of other mantras, depends upon the goals of life that we are using them to achieve (dharma,

artha, kama, and moksha or career, wealth, enjoyment, or liberation), which gunas we are energizing them with (sattva, rajas, tamas, or

the qualities of clarity, action or inertia), or their application through Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedic astrology or other disciplines. In this regard,

the same Shakti mantra can be used in many different ways. Yet at the deepest level, Shakti mantras are meant to arouse and support the

Yoga Shakti or inner power of Yoga within us.

For example, the mantra Írãæ at an outer level connects us to the abundance of our dharma and artha, our career and financial gains,

and the fulfillment of our kama or desires. For Yoga practice, it grants devotion to the guru and the deity. In Ayurveda, it promotes healing,

growth, and nourishment. In Vedic astrology, it is the mantra of the Moon and can be used for strengthening benefic Venus and Jupiter

as well. In Vaastu, it promotes well-being, prosperity and happiness in the dwelling.

Used with a sattvic intention, Írãm has a nourishing and harmonizing force; with a rajasic intention, it has a power to promote outer

development and achievement; and with a tamasic intention, it can gain a destructive or crushing capacity. At an outer Lakshmi (Goddess

of Prosperity) level, Írãæ can grant us the abundance of the material world; while at an inner Lakshmi level, it can grant us the abundance

of the spiritual life, which is devotion, bliss and the beauty of perception.

Tathaastu14

Spotlight

How to Use these MantrasPlease use these mantras with respect and a sense of their sacred power, along with your meditation, honoring the deity within. Generally,

seed mantras are repeated numerous times in a series of continuous meditation sittings to reach the number of 100,000, which is the

amount usually required to awaken their energy and draw it deep into our psyche. Then they can be repeated regularly as needed, even

off and on during the day, to help us maintain calm and focus of the mind, or to direct us towards the particular goal that we are seeking

through repeating the mantra.

Many people use seed mantras as their main mantra for meditation (TM mantras are usually based upon Shakti mantras, for example),

also referred to as “primal sound” or “mantra meditation.” They repeat their special mantra before meditation to take the mind more

quickly into the meditative state. Shakti mantras have a powerful effect by their sound alone, which is pranic in nature and helps de-

condition the mind, even if one does not understand their meaning. They are easy to pronounce as they consist of one syllable only! You

can choose one of these mantras as your meditation mantra, repeating it silently for at least fifteen minutes or around a thousand times

before meditation.

Another method is to let the mantra reverberate along with the breath. You can draw in the Shakti of the mantra on inhalation like Hrãæ

as the solar energy or pure light of awareness, and spread its energy throughout your being or into your environment upon exhalation.

When mantra and prana become one, both are brought to a higher level of power and function. One can direct the mantra along with

the breath to whatever part of the body one wishes to be healed or strengthened, or send it as a healing force for the benefit of others.

Bija mantras can be used along with Divine names, like Oæ Hrãæ Suryaya Namah! for honoring the solar deity Surya. They can be used

in combinations for different deities or aspects of the Divine, like Krãæ Hïæ Hrãæ for Ma Kali. There are many such mantric formulas

in Sanskrit literature and Hindu devotional worship. However, deeper applications and complex combinations of Shakti mantras may

require direct instruction from a teacher who knows how to adapt these mantras on an individual basis. This is the same as for any other

Yoga practice.

Tathaastu 15

OæOæ is the prime mantra of the Purusha, the Cosmic Being, the

Atman or higher Self. As such, it attunes us with our true nature

and higher reality. Oæ is the sound of Ishvara, the cosmic lord, the

creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe, who is also the

inner guru and prime teacher of Yoga. It reflects both the manifest

and the unmanifest Brahman, sustaining the vibration of being,

life and consciousness in all worlds and all

creatures.

Generally, Oæ is divided threefold as

A, U and M, with A referring to

creation, the waking state and

Brahma, the creator; U as

sustenance, the dream state

and Vishnu the preserver;

and M as dissolution, the

deep sleep state and Shiva

the transformer. More

specifically, Oæ relates

to Shiva, the cosmic

masculine force.

Oæ serves to open and clear

the mind for meditation. It

brings about an ascension and

expansion of our energy. It

promotes the higher prana and inner

light and takes us into the formless realm.

It draws the sound current up the spine,

through the chakras and out from the top of the

head. Oæ also means “yes” and is said to be the sound of assent. It

allows us to harmonize with the forces of the universe externally

and with our own nature internally. It attunes us to the cosmic

reality and the sacred vibratory patterns that arise from it.

Relative to Ayurvedic medicine, Oæ helps harmonize the body,

prana, mind, and senses with the higher Self, Atman or Divine

presence within. It connects us with the cosmic healing

prana. It brings a deep healing energy into the

subconscious mind to remove negative

emot ions , add ic t ions and

compulsions. Relative to Vedic

astrology, Oæ is the sound of

the Sun and of the higher

light behind all the stars

and planets. In Vaastu,

Oæ can clear the energy

in the home or dwelling

and bring in Divine

l ight, grace, and

knowledge.

Relative to other mantras,

Oæ is often used to begin

them. It clears the mind for

other mantras to work, opens

us up to the higher consciousness,

and brings a deeper prana into the

mantra. Without first chanting Oæ,

it is said that other mantras may not be

effective. Whole Upanishads and entire books have

been written about it.

Oæ serves to open and clear the mind for meditation. It brings about an

ascension and expansion of our energy.Tathaastu

Spotlight

16

Aiæ is also the mantra of the guru and helps us access

all higher knowledge.

AiæAfter Oæ, Aiæ (pronounced “aym”) is the next most common bija

mantra. Aiæ is the feminine counterpart of Oæ and often follows

Oæ in various chants. Oæ and Aiæ are the two main compound

vowel mantras, A plus U making Oæ (and Auæ) and A plus I making Aiæ. As such, together they comprehend all sounds.

As Oæ is the unmanifest or expansive aspect of primal

sound, Aiæ is the manifest or directed form. As

Oæ serves to clear the mental field, Aiæ

helps us focus the mind and heart in

a particular manner. As Oæ is the

word that is heard, Aiæ is the

word that is seen. As Oæ is

the supreme Purusha or

cosmic masculine force,

Aiæ is Adya Shakti, the

supreme Shakti or cosmic

feminine force. That is

why we find the mantra

Aiæ in so many different

mantras to the Goddess

or Divine Mother.

More specifically, Aiæ is the

seed mantra of Sarasvati, the

Goddess of knowledge and speech,

the consort of Lord Brahma, the

Creator in the Hindu trinity of great

Gods. As such, Aiæ aids us in learning, art,

expression and communication and is good for promoting learning

and education generally.

Aiæ is also the mantra of the guru and helps us access all higher

knowledge. It can be used to call or to invoke wisdom and

understanding. It indicates motivation, direction and will-power.

It can orient us toward whatever we are seeking. It

increases concentration of mind and awakens

our higher intelligence (Buddhi). Relative

to other mantras, Aiæ is often used

to direct our awareness or

intention to the deity, to

function as our call to draw

in the higher knowledge

so the mantra can work.

In terms of Ayurveda,

Aiæ strengthens the

voice and the vocal

chords. It helps open

the lungs and clear the

senses. Astrologically,

Aiæ connects to the

planet Mercury and to

some extent the Moon,

both planets that govern

speech and expression. For

Vaastu, Aiæ will bring creativity

and learning into the dwelling, particularly

for studies, libraries and classrooms.

Tathaastu 17

HrãæAfter Oæ and Aiæ, Hrãæ (pronounced “hreem”) is probably the

most commonly used bija mantra. It is composed of the sound-Ha,

which indicates prana, space and light, with the sound-Ra, which

indicates fire, light and dharma, and the sound-Ã, which indicates

energy, focus and motivation.

Hrãæ is the prime mantra of the Goddess in all of her

three main powers of creation, preservation and

destruction, and so is the main Shakti

mantra, with a more specific

application than Aiæ. It is said to

be the Shakti bija and to be

equivalent to Oæ for the

Goddess. More specifically,

it relates to Parvati or

Shakti, the consort of

Shiva, who is the

destroyer/transformer

among the great trinity

of deities.

Hrãæ is a mantra of

magical force, captivation

and empowerment. It can

be used relative to any deity or

object whose presence we wish

to access at the level of the heart. It

brings about joy, ecstasy and bliss. Hrãæ

both purifies and exalts us in our inner quest,

humbling us before the Divine power so that it can

enter into our hearts. Hrãæ is a specific mantra for the heart (hridaya

in Sanskrit) on all levels, whether the spiritual heart, the heart

chakra, the emotional heart or the heart as a physical organ. It

energizes the heart, provides warmth, and allows for both deep

feeling and deep thought.

In terms of Ayurveda, Hrãæ can be used to counter

heart disease of all types, aiding in longevity

and rejuvenation. More specifically, it

helps promote the pranic and

functional aspect of the heart and

with it the power of circulation

of the blood, the lungs and

the nervous system. It has

generally Pitta (fiery)

energy but some Vata

(air) energy as well,

stimulating the higher

pranas and emotions.

In terms of Vedic

astrology, Hrãæ relates

to the Sun, the planet of

the heart, and helps

promotes solar energy,

expression and charisma.

Hrãæ is usually a soft mantra but

can also be harsh. As a soft mantra, it

increases the finer energies of the heart. As

a harsh mantra, it can be used to hypnotize or

captivate, to dissolve or to carry away.

Hrãæ is a mantra of magical force, captivation and

empowerment.Tathaastu18

Spotlight

Írãæ relates to the heart in its feeling aspect, whereas Hrãæ relates to the pranic or functional

aspect of the heart.

ÍrãæÍrãæ (pronounced “shreem”) is one of the most commonly used

mantras because it is probably the most benefic of all sounds,

drawing to us all that is good, helpful and promoting of positive

growth and development. More specifically, Írãæ is the seed mantra

of Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and abundance, and the

consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity of great

Gods, and brings Lakshmi’s many blessings. Írãæ is also called “Rama bija” and is used in the

worship of Lord Rama, the avatar of

dharma.

Írãæ is the mantra of faith,

devotion, refuge and surrender.

It can be used to take refuge

in or express devotion to

any deity, helping us to

gain its favor and grace.

Írãæ relates to the heart

in its feeling aspect,

whereas Hrãæ relates to

the pranic or functional

aspect of the heart.

Írã means splendor in

Sanskrit, like the beautiful light of the Moon. Írãæ is often used

along with Hrãæ. As Hrãæ is solar, Írãæ is lunar. Írãæ relates to

the Moon in Vedic astrology and promotes a kind of lunar energy,

Soma and beauty overall. Yet it is also used for other benefic planets

like Venus and Jupiter, promoting their positive energies.

Relative to Ayurveda, Írãæ is mainly a Kapha (watery

and earthy) mantra for improving health,

happiness, fertility, love and calmness

of mind. Yet it does have some

secondary Pitta (fire) qualities

and improves our glow, luster

and light. It is particularly

important for women’s

health and brings proper

function and circulation

t o t h e f e m a l e

reproductive system.

Írãæ has a soothing

effect on the mind and

emotions, allowing us

to surrender to Divine

grace and take refuge in

the higher powers.

Tathaastu 19

KrãæKrãæ (pronounced “kreem”) is the first and most important of the

consonant mantras, the mantras that begin with a hard consonant

rather than a vowel or sibilant. Krãæ begins with Ka, the first of

the Sanskrit consonants that indicates manifest prana and the initial

phase of energy. To this it adds the Ra-sound or seed of fire, the

Ã-sound or focusing power as in the other Shakti mantras. It creates

light and intention like Hrãæ and Írãæ but of a

more specific, stimulating, and manifesting

nature.

Krãæ relates to Vidyut Shakti or

the basic electrical energy

behind all things in the

universe – the Kriya Shakti

or power of action on all

levels. Krãæ rules over all

manifestation including

time, space, and action

(causation). Through it,

we can gain control of

our karmas and also move

beyond them.

Krãæ is the seed mantra of

Kali, the Goddess of time and

transformation, the consort of

Lord Shiva, the Destroyer/

Transformer in the Hindu trinity of great

deities. Through it, we set Kali’s power in

motion within us. It serves to energize things to the

highest level, which is to raise their level of vibration to the point

where we can return to the source.

Krãæ is a mantra of work, yoga and transformative energy, and is

said to be Yoga bija or the “seed syllable of Yoga practice.” Its inner

application is to awaken the Kundalini Shakti to merge our outer

nature back into the higher Self. Krãæ stimulates higher perception

and higher prana, promoting the yogic process of

Pratyahara (internalization of mind) and giving

greater power to concentration,

meditation and Samadhi. The mantra

can connect us with the inner

power of any deity we wish to

connect to.

In terms of Ayurveda,

Krãæ combines Vata

(wind, electrical) energy

mantra with Pitta (fire)

for an adrenaline type

effect. It has a powerful

electrical force and

stimulates all the pranas

and Agnis (biological

fires), the circulatory and

nervous systems, particularly

the heart and the liver. In Vedic

astrology, Krãæ relates primarily

to the planet Mars, which is the planet

of work and effort. Krãæ is generally a harsh

or strong mantra, particularly as used with Hïm,

and so should be recited with care.

Krãæ rules over all manifestation including time, space, and action (causation).

Tathaastu20

Spotlight

Klãæ is not specifically an astrological mantra, but is

sometimes used for Venus or the Moon.

KlãæKlãæ (pronounced “kleem”) is the softer, watery or more feminine

aspect of Krãæ. As Krãæ is electrical or projective, Klãæ has a

magnetic quality that draws things to us. It can also be used to hold

or fix things in place.

Klãæ carries the Akarshana Shakti or the “power of attraction.” It

relates to Krishna, who grants bliss (Ananda) as a deity,

and to Sundari, the Goddess of love and beauty.

Klãæ is the seed mantra of desire (Kama

Bija) and helps us to achieve our true

wishes in life. Klãæ can be used

relative to any deity we would

like to access to fulfill our

wishes. Klãæ is the mantra

of love and devotion,

increasing the love energy

within our hearts. For this

reason, it is one of the

most benefic mantras,

and one of the safest and

most widely used.

Relative to Ayurveda, Klãæ

is mainly a Kapha (water)-promoting mantra and is particularly

good for the reproductive system and for the plasma and skin. It

promotes Kledaka Kapha (the digestive fluids of the stomach),

increasing our capacity for nourishment. Most importantly, it is

specific for Tarpaka Kapha, the Soma of the brain that promotes

well-being, soothing the nerves and calming the heart. It strengthens

the immune system and brings contentment to

the entire being. Klãæ is not specifically

an astrological mantra, but is sometimes

used for Venus or the Moon. For

Vaastu, it can bring the energy

of Divine love and beauty

into the dwelling.

Klãæ can have a harsh

side as well. It can be

used to fix, to stop or

to nail down, or to

hold things under the

power of wishes,

though such usage is

not as common as its

benefic application.

Tathaastu 21

StrãæStrãæ (pronounced “streem”) contains the Sa-sound of stability,

the Ta-sound which gives extension, and the Ã-vowel that provides

energy, direction and motivation. It is connected to root meanings

such as to stand, to spread, to take a step, to rise or traverse from

one level to another. It brings about an expansion and spreading

of energy that can follow a horizontal expansion, a vertical ascent,

or a spiral movement.

Strãæ is said to be Shanti bija or the “seed

syllable of peace” and carries the Shakti

of Sat or Pure being. Strã in

Sanskrit also means a woman.

The mantra Strãæ provides

the power of the Divine

feminine (Stri-Shakti) to

give birth, to nourish, to

protect and to guide. It

is similar to Írãæ in

sound qualities but

stronger and more

stabilizing in its effects.

It can be used to increase

Shakti or feminine energy

in oneself or in one’s outer

activity.

Strãæ is another general mantra of

the Goddess, particularly in her higher

knowledge form. Strãæ can be used relative

to any deity whose energy we wish to expand or

project in a creative manner. It grants poetic and artistic powers,

as well as powers of argument, debate and law.

Strãæ is the seed mantra of the Hindu Goddess Tara (not the

Buddhist Tara, who is a different deity approached with different

mantras). Hindu Tara is connected to Durga, who is often called

Durga-Tara, as a protective and fiery form of the Goddess. She is

the high priestess and represents the inner knowledge and the insight

of the guru, particularly the power of the Word. Tara controls the

weapons of the Gods, particularly the Trishula or trident of Lord

Shiva. Tara also relates to the mantra Oæ, and

Strãæ is the means through which Oæ takes

us across all difficulties.

Tara in astrological symbolism

is the wife or feminine form

of Brihaspati, the planet

Jupiter. She is the great

star Goddess associated

with the star Aldeberan

(the Vedic star Rohini),

the bright red star of

the cons te l l a t ion

Taurus. As Brihaspati/

Jupiter is the high priest

or guru of the Gods, Tara

is the high priestess of the

heavens. Strãæ as the mantra

of the Star Goddess attunes us

to the benefic powers of the stars

and Nakshatras and gives us

astrological knowledge.

In terms of Ayurveda, Strãæ is important as a healing

and empowering mantra for women, and can aid in childbirth and

can promote women’s health generally, strengthening the heart,

reproductive system, circulatory system and bones.

Strãæ is the seed mantra of the Hindu Goddess Tara.

Tathaastu22

Spotlight

HïæHïæ (pronounced “hoom”) is one of the most important Sanskrit

mantras along with Oæ, Aiæ and Hrãæ. It is said to be the Pranava

or primal sound of Lord Shiva, the transformative aspect of the

Divine Trinity.

Hïæ is the main Agni or fire mantra and can help enkindle fire in

all of its forms from the digestive fire to the Pranic fire

to the fire of the consciousness. It refers to a

gaseous type of fire and so can be connected

with lightning and to the power of

prana and the breath. Hïæ is also

a weapon and protection mantra

and can be used to destroy

negativity with its lightning

fire. It can be used to direct

a fiery explosive energy

with other mantras. It is

also called Krodha bija or

the “seed sound of wrath.”

It is the mantra that Lord

Shiva uses to project the

fire from his third eye that

destroys all negativity and

burns up all desires.

Hïæ with a long vowel sound has

a similar meaning but a more feminine

and Shakti quality. It relates to fierce

forms of the Goddess like Kali, Chandi and

Chhinnamasta. It has the power to cut off and indicates

the sword. However, Hïæ has a soft potential as well. It is said to

be the Dhenu bija, the “seed sound of the Mother cow,” calling its

calf back to it. It calls out and invokes, while at the same time

challenging and warding off. Hïæ is used specifically for raising

the Kundalini, particularly combining the mantra with the breath,

and the fixing of the gaze at the navel, the seat of the digestive

fire.

Relative to Ayurveda, Hïæ increases Prana,

Tejas and Pitta, setting all our fiery

energies in motion from the digestive

fire to the fire of the mind. Both

strengthen the immune

system particularly against

any active pathogenic

attacks, but as harsh

mantras require some

care in application.

Astrologically, Hïæ

relates to fiery planets

like the Sun, Mars or

Ketu and increase their

fiery properties. They are

particularly good for

bringing in the higher

perceptive power of Ketu,

which is a great aid in astrological

research, spiritual healing and Yoga.

Relative to Vaastu, they can be used to create

a protective energy shield around one’s dwelling.

Tathaastu 23

Hïæ with a long vowel sound has a similar meaning but a more feminine and Shakti quality.

The Language of Shakti MantrasA single Shakti mantra can be used as a meditation mantra in order to draw the mind into deep awareness. One repeats the mantra prior to meditation to bring the mind into a meditative state. Then one keeps the mantra going in the back of the mind as long as the meditation proceeds, to help sustain the process. Several Shakti bija mantras can also be used together as meditation mantras, often in groups of three to seven bijas.

Shakti mantras can function as names of deities to invoke them, like Oæ and Shiva, or Aiæ and Sarasvati. But they are more commonly used in conjunction with Divine names, like Oæ Aiæ Sarasvatyai Namah!

Shakti mantras reflect various types of invocation. For example, Oæ Aiæ Hrãæ Írãæ, means Oæ; I invoke (Aiæ); open my heart to (Hrãæ); and take refuge in (Írãæ). Or Oæ Krãæ Hïæ Hrãæ means Oæ; I energize (Krãæ); enkindle (Hïæ); and open my heart (Hrãæ). In conclusion, Shakti mantras allow us to energize our thoughts and feelings at a deeper level with the force of higher awareness.

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is the author of more than thirty books including key texts on Ayurvedic medicine, Vedic astrology, deeper Yoga practices and the Vedas themselves. He is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His recent book Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound: Secrets of Bija (Seed) Mantras (Lotus Press 2010) is one of the most profound and practical studies of mantra, unlocking the secrets of how these sacred sounds work and how they affect our energy field for both body and mind. www.vedanet.com

Adapted from Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound (Lotus Press, 2010).

Tathaastu

Spotlight

24